Hawaii’s exotic mix of ethnicities, including Polynesian, Asian and Portuguese, has led to a cuisine all its own. In fact, the Hawaii Regional Cuisine culinary movement blends Hawaii’s ethnic flavours with world cuisine, using fresh local produce, and you can sample it in restaurants across the state. Meanwhile, Spam – or ham in a can – is the state’s most iconic dish. Originally brought to Hawaii by American servicemen in their rations, it became an important source of protein for locals when fishing was forbidden during World War II. It is often fried and served with rice and is easily available.

Local produce, farmers markets, farm-to-table dining and food trucks abound in Hawaii. Organic farms are dotted across Kauai, and farmers markets take place every day except Sunday. Oahu is food truck central, and farm-to-table cuisine has been fostered by countless farmers, chefs, restaurants and diners, using produce as diverse as Tahitian limes and Kahuku sea asparagus.

Look for coffee, macadamia and purple sweet potato farms on Molokai, and fruit and vegetables grown in the volcanic soil of upcountry Maui. And on Hawaii, The Big Island, there is a wide variety of farm produce, including cattle raised in upland pastures, plus farm-to-table cuisine, farmers markets and more than 100 food-related festivals throughout the year.

Duke’s Waikiki’s Barefoot Bar in Honolulu is a great place to head for Cajun fish tacos or fresh ahi poke – raw fish served with Maui onion and sesame soy sauce. For cocktails, check out Lava Lava Beach Club on Hawaii, The Big Island for a Lava Lava Flow On The Rocks with strawberries, banana, coconut cream and rum or a Gilligan’s Girl cocktail with vodka, ginger liqueur, pineapple juice and coconut water.

Our top picks

Leonard's Bakery

933 Kapahulu Avenue, Honolulu

A firm fixture in Hawaii since 1952, Leonard’s Bakery is a must-visit for malasadas (Portuguese doughnuts - like a regular doughnut without the hole). Leonard DoRego began baking malasadas as part of the Portugeuese tradition for Shrove Tuesday. The bakery has been at its current location since 1957.

Romy's Kahuku Prawns and Shrimp

56781 Kamehameha Highway, Kahuku

Oahu’s North Shore is dotted with shrimp stands, but Romy’s is the one to check out. Its shrimp are harvested from a farm right beside the roadside stand. The queues can be lengthy, but the butter and garlic sauteed prawns served with rice and shoyu spicy sauce are definitely worth the wait.

Eat like a local

Heeia Pier General Store

46-499 Kamehameha Highway, Kaneohe, Oahu

Owner Russ Inouye caught his first fish as a child on the pier where this store is located and called the previous owners aunty and uncle. When they retired, he bought a 35-year lease. Fish is bought fresh from the fishermen as they come in, with a different type served each day.

Yumi's Restaurant

9691 Kaumualii Highway, Waimea, Kauai

This no-frills eatery at Waimea on Kauai offers tasty comfort food at an affordable price. You order at the counter and eat off paper plates. Favourites include the loco moco, which consists of a hamburger patty, a scoop of rice, egg and gravy, or the homemade coconut pies.

Matsumoto Shave Ice

66-087 Kamehameha Highway, Haleiwa, Oahu

Established as a grocery store by a Japanese immigrant at Haleiwa on the North Shore of Oahu in 1951, Matsumoto is the place to go for shave ice – a popular specialty throughout Hawaii. There are a range of flavours and combinations to choose from, including guava, mango and pina colada.

Sharing our Experiences

As the birthplace of surfing, Hawaii is synonymous with both big-wave action and gentle, rolling breaks. With 1,930km of fringing coral reef in the Hawaiian Islands, diving into the deep blue is clearly another one of the top water-based activities to do in the Aloha State. [...]

The beauty of Hawaii is that there are endless opportunities for family fun. And in a place where there’s so much to see out in nature, kids will have the time of their lives expelling all that excess energy and excitement. Search mountain peak trails for a distant waterfall, hike past active volcanoes or soak up the Hawaiian sun on one of the many beautiful beaches. [...]

Thanks, got it!

*Prices are for in-store bookings, in AUD and subject to availability. Additional fees may apply to online bookings. Please refer to specific product's terms and conditions.

LOWEST AIRFARE GUARANTEE

^Airfares change regularly and each fare has specific terms and conditions set by the airline such as refund and cancellation rules which affect the price. Occasionally, a fare comes out that is lower than the one offered to you. Should you find a lower price offered by a competitor, we will beat it. Restrictions and conditions apply. This guarantee is based on Australian registered businesses and websites for travel departing from Australia. Price beat must relate to the exact same fare and flight number and must be presented to us prior to booking. Read more about our Lowest Airfare Guarantee or please ask us for further details.